The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, has stated that the rollout of Nigeria’s new tax laws from January 1, 2026, is expected to ease compliance challenges and foster a more stable and predictable fiscal landscape.
According to Vanguard , Dr. Shehu made the assertion in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing participants at the National Stakeholders’ Discourse themed “Enhancing Fiscal Efficiency and Revenue Growth under the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025.”
The event focused on four key legislations: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025.
He explained that Nigeria’s fiscal system has for years been exposed to instability driven by fluctuating oil prices, which he said resulted in uncertain revenue flows and hindered effective long-term planning.
“High debt service obligations consume a large proportion of government revenue, limiting public investment and threatening fiscal sustainability across all tiers of government,” Shehu said.
According to him, the new tax framework is designed to streamline compliance requirements, align tax administration nationwide, and establish a unified structure for revenue generation.
He stressed that the purpose of the stakeholders’ engagement was to ensure widespread understanding of the reforms, including among organised labour groups.
Shehu also revealed that the Federation Account generated N23.058 trillion in accruals within the first ten months of the year.
While acknowledging that recent economic policies have led to some improvements, he noted that the positive effects are yet to be widely felt by citizens.
He reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to protecting national revenue through improved oversight, forensic audits, cooperation with sub-national authorities, and transparency-driven initiatives.
In his remarks, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chairman of RMAFC’s Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee, described the moment as pivotal, noting that the newly enacted tax laws would play a decisive role in shaping the country’s economic strength and stability in the coming years.
Similarly, the National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Janice Ibrahim, said the reforms would enhance fiscal stability and boost revenue mobilisation.
“A modern, efficient and equitable tax system is indispensable to economic growth. When tax policies are clear and predictable, businesses can invest, expand, create employment, and contribute more meaningfully to national revenue,” Ibrahim said.
